A Canadian Barista Landed An $8 Million CRA Bill After Her Tax Return Went Wrong

Always check and double-check your tax return! 😬💰
Managing Editor, Canada

Ahead of tax time in Canada, one barista is encouraging Canadians to check and double-check their tax returns after she ended up owing a whopping $8 million to the CRA in 2018.

Alina Bukatova told her story to CBC News, explaining that she’d earned around $17,000 annually while working in a coffee shop. However, when her tax bill came back, it showed she owed millions.

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She’d used a tax preparation chain to help with her returns that year and was confident that the process had been straightforward. 

However, her notice of assessment later showed an income of more than $17 million dollars — explaining the $8 million in unpaid taxes!

Although the error was later corrected (although not before her bank accounts were seized!), it’s worth remembering to double-check all figures on your tax documents — particularly ahead of this year’s “incredibly complicated” tax season.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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